Whitney along with other trainers and staff are working with Hope's foster dogs that need some special training needs to help make them a wonderful family member. Bark Avenue is doing some of grooming needs as well!

Adoption events are held at the SE 14th Street PetSmart in Des Moines on the third Saturday of each month & some Sundays which provides exposure to the rescue animals in our care. In addtion, PetSmart donates $10 directly to Hope Animal Rescue for each adoption during the events and show cases some of Hope's adoptable cats at their facility.

Dr. Franchesca Zenitsky, DVM, MS

Dr. Franchesca Zenitsky is a dedicated holistic practitioner whose conventional and holistic veterinary training allow her to evaluate your pet’s health and combine modalities as necessary in the interest of his or her optimal health and well-being. Her focus is on personalized wellness care and disease management through nutritional therapy and other safe, effective complementary practices. Dr. Zenitsky holds degrees in both Veterinary Medicine and Genetics from Iowa State University as well as a degree in Biology / Applied Ecology from Eastern Kentucky University where she conducted endangered species research. She has worked in the environmental consulting field since 1994 and developed a broad range of experience in environmental and biological services. In 2011, Dr. Zenitsky founded an environmental consulting firm that she maintains for clients that wish to utilize her services.

It was her goal early on to pursue a Ph.D. in wildlife / endangered species biological research or a DVM in wildlife medicine, but life’s circumstances rather circumvented those objectives! Still, she continued to honor her core values and, after much research and some experimentation, she began to successfully incorporate holistic modalities into her animal family’s lifestyle. Dr. Zenitsky established Idyllic Paws in 2013 to provide veterinary care in the Des Moines metro area using both conventional and holistic medical techniques. A housecall-based practice provides the best opportunity for Dr. Zenitsky to truly get to know her patients (and their people), by seeing them in their home environments. She continues her pursuit of lifelong education, advancing her training and ever incorporating new knowledge into her patients’ treatment plans. She and her son, Lorenzo, live with Tony, a 12+ year old sheltie, Lola, an 8 year old shepherd mix, and three cool cats – Mingo, Trixie, and Bukster-Baxter. In her spare time she loves the great outdoors, to garden, cook, hike, engage in music and comradery, read, cater to her pack, and study holistic medicine.

Kristin E De Vries, DVM

Dr. Kristin De Vries grew up raising, training and showing horses near Norwalk. She also enjoyed a variety of family pets including many cats and dogs. During this time she began working at Fleur Pet Hospital and Avondale Animal Hospital in 1992. After filling roles as kennel help, receptionist, technician, and office record-keeper, she decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She graduated from Simpson College with a BA in Biology and minor in Chemistry in 1998. She then attended Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2002. Upon graduation Dr. De Vries practiced in Boone and had her own relief (substitute) business. She was an associate practitioner at Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex before signing on at Village Veterinary Hospital. After working at Village Veterinary Hospital for 12 years, she is excited to be a practice owner at Pet Medical Center of Urbandale.

In her free time Dr. De Vries enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and Greyhound named Gibbs. Dr. De Vries is well-trained in small animal medicine and surgery. She has also studied advanced dentistry techniques in Minnesota and Colorado. She has a passion for integrative medicine and has had success in managing a variety of ailments with dietary therapy, supplements and essential oil options. Dr. De Vries enjoys providing compassionate care and creativity to fit the needs of each of her patients and clients.